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Logistics UK submission to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee call for evidence on biosecurity at the border
Logistics UK has submitted evidence to the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee in Westminster as part of its examination of biosecurity measures for animal and plant imports to the UK.
In this submission, Logistics UK reiterated its support for the government’s commitment to a reset in UK-EU relations and the business organisation’s call for a new, comprehensive UK- EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to reduce and remove friction on the trade of SPS goods between both Great Britain (GB) and the European Union (EU), and between GB and NI where the movement of SPS goods must meet a series of requirements under the Windsor Framework.
In the interim period until such an agreement is reached, the logistics sector remains very concerned about the implementation of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), and the impact on the movement of commodities subject to SPS controls.
These concerns include: the disproportionate impact of BTOM on SMEs and groupage operators; poor information flow and notification to drivers; delays, disruption and damage to fragile goods during the physical inspection process; wholly inadequate driver welfare facilities; the need for expanded opening hours of border control posts; confusing invoicing processes; poor communication between involved agencies, and to logistics and transport providers making enquiries about truck holds; and the need to urgently review and resolve these issues before physical inspections are scaled up to the 100% regime set out under the BTOM.
As an industry we want to see UK-EU trade thrive. As carriers, we want to protect the UK’s biosecurity and food safety. As Logistics UK set out in its evidence to this committee, the logistics sector wants to work constructively with government to achieve these goals which is why we have set out a series of recommendations to inform the government’s response and action to address these barriers in advance of a comprehensive Veterinary Agreement between the UK and EU. Logistics UK’s submission can be read in full here.
Published On: 06/02/2025 13:57:21
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